Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Another warm-up brings rising freezing levels and sunny conditions.
Expect increasing avalanche activity within the recent storm snow.
Take time to read the new forecasters' blog.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, wet and dry loose avalanches were skier-triggered in the region. These avalanches have occurred in steep terrain on a variety of aspects and elevations. Explosive controls triggered numerous storm slabs (size 1) around Fernie.
Expect increasing avalanche activity within the recent snow with the forecasted warm weather.
Snowpack Summary
A diurnal melt-freeze cycle occurred over the past days. The surface is either moist or capped with a thin crust on all aspects and elevations except for high northerly slopes where up to 15 cm overlies a thick and supportive crust from late March. Below these crusts, the upper snowpack is moist.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level returning to valley bottom.
Saturday
Sunny. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level around 3000 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level around 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
As surfaces become wet, loose wet avalanches will become more likely on steep south-facing slopes at all elevations.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
As temperatures rise, large cornice falls will become a concern. Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards during the warmest part of the day.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5